Port Blair, April 5: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to construct a new Dharamshala in place of the current one with necessary amenities for the residents of North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar District.

Highlighting the current state of the Dharamshala near the Swimming Pool of Netaji Stadium in Port Blair City, the Member of Parliament today wrote a letter to the Lt. Governor wherein he mentioned that the Dharamshala was built several decades ago to provide affordable accommodation for people of the inter-island who need to visit Port Blair for various works related to health, official works, education, and transit during mainland visits.

Despite being in existence for several decades, there has been no major improvement in the living conditions of the Dharamshala. Presently, there are only three beds available for the public, even though the capacity of the Dharamshala is almost 40 for both male and female guests. As a result, many people have to sleep on the floor due to the non-availability of beds.

The Member of Parliament pointed out that many islanders coming from North & Middle Andaman or Nicobar District, who cannot afford to stay in hotels or lodges have no other option than to take shelter at the Dharamshala. But due to the lack of basic amenities, they have to suffer a lot. Many islanders who come as attendants for patients have to stay in the Dharamshala for several months without any basic amenities.

The MP therefore requested to construct a new Dharamshala in place of the existing one with increased capacity of 100 bed each for male and female. The new facility should include facilities like a canteen, clean toilets, bathrooms, beds, and other necessary amenities, the MP said adding, “This will ensure that people coming from remote Islands can get affordable accommodation in Port Blair”.